Reflections of a Homeschooling Mama
It was the first Monday after the submission of grades and a
week after we finished our homeschooling targets for the school year. For the first time in months, I overslept! That day, I woke up feeling refreshed and
relaxed.
School is done!
No more lessons to prepare!
No more books to
read!
No more stressful days!
Oooppss…did
I just say stressful?
Don’t get me wrong, I love homeschooling. I love teaching
and learning with my kids. But due to some wonderful turn of events in our
family, homeschooling became as exciting as ever!
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” –
Philippians 4:13
For most families enrolled with CFA, the school-year officially
begins after the Anointing Day wherein every homeschooling family gathers
together for a Eucharistic Celebration and it is usually followed by a special
blessing from our CFA Founder, Bro. Bo Sanchez. The activity aims to empower
every homeschooling family as they begin their homeschooling journey.
Since I was
preparing for the delivery of our third child in September, School-Year 2012-2013
began early for us. It was suppose to give me some time off homeschooling for a
few weeks to focus on the needs of our little one. But it seemed that our
little princess was such in a hurry to make her grand entrance to the world. And
on the Feast Day of the Assumption and 2 days before the submission of grades
of the 1st Quarter came our dear daughter, Victoria (God’s
victory and our victory, too!). She came earlier than expected. Many would ask why? Stressed? Well, who isn't
But I would like to believe that it was the
perfect day for Victoria to come out and say hello to the world! She is an expression of God’s love for our family and a gentle reminder of the importance of the Blessed Mother in our family life.
So two weeks after giving birth, we
were back on track. In between feedings and burping, changing diapers and
singing lullabies, we were homeschooling. Post-partum depression? Thank God it never was an issue for me. Maybe because I was too preoccupied with lessons, activities, dirty
diapers, laundry, cooking and all, that at the end of the day, I was dead tired
to even think about getting depressed! There is indeed a purpose for
everything.
Thank you Lord for keeping me busy.
“Good works to do and we know He will
help us ‘till the day is through.” – Philippians 1:6
I honor my children, Joshua and Isabela, for their
willingness to adjust and understand our current situation. Since we do not
have a helper, we make sure to help each other out in doing house chores and we
take turns in caring for the baby. It has instilled in us all the value of teamwork
and time management. Our present situation has taught our children to be more
responsible and independent. I noticed how both of them are enjoying their new
roles as Kuya and Ate to our dear Baby Victoria. On the other hand, it taught me and
my husband to be more appreciative of our children. We give each other tight
hugs and shower one another with endearing words from morning ‘til night. We are
each others’ cheer leaders. These real life experiences are the lessons we
value most. What they have learned from these experiences were more than what
textbooks can provide. More than Math, English, Science, Filipino or Sibika, the
real lesson in our home is being able to train not only our minds but our
hearts as well to love, to understand and to be of service to others.
For God is faithful to complete the work He starts to give
you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4
When we first entertained the idea of homeschooling, we were
convinced that it was the best educational option for our children. While it is rewarding and fulfilling, it is not for the faint of heart. It’s hard work especially for the
homeschooling parent (that's me!) The lesson planning (yes, I find it so important to plan for our lessons), gathering of materials for activities/lessons,
the never-ending search for the best material/exercises, websites to visit,
books to read, mini-field trips, major field trips and the list just goes on
and on. Some may be entertaining the idea that since we are homeschooling, we
are more relaxed compared to those who send their kids to school. Yes, it is partly true. In homeschooling, the kids are more relaxed. But the teacher?...naaahhh... How can I relax when I have 2 students who are so curious and eager to learn? I just love how their little eyes sparkle every time they learn something new and interesting and how encouraging words work like magic in making them flash that radiant smile on their cute lips. They would make me notes telling me how much they love me (well...it's not only me though, my hubby gets those notes too )and my heart is overwhelming with joy when I hear them say, "You are the best teacher ever!" A taste of heaven here on earth!
But of course we also have challenging days. Who doesn’t? Homeschooling for our family is like a roller coaster ride. It is full of ups and downs but despite of this, we still want to ride on it… again…and again…and again.
Why?
Because we are crazy!
No, kidding aside, we love it because…
it’s exciting!
It’s fun!
The entire experience is priceless. Nothing compares to that moment when we see our children blossom before our very eyes.
We are truly blessed for the gift of homeschooling and for surviving another homeschooling year. We thank the Lord for sustaining us and for His grace each day. May we be able to continue our mission of educating, caring and loving our children.
As a parent-teacher, I am committed to give nothing but the best for my students. When I took on the role of being the homeschooling teacher, I also embraced the challenges, difficulties and victories that went along with it, for all its worth,...for the love of God...my children...my family. It’s tough… but I trust the Lord to help us get through each and every homeschooling day.
